Hello. I'm looking into replacing a dinosaur PC with a shiny new iMac. I've researched the options as much as I'm able, which has proven to be a daunting process for a noob.
I want a 27" screen, so the field is somewhat narrowed. I'm a casual computer user: word processing [Microsoft Word for work], web browsing/emailing, minimal photo work, no gaming whatsoever, no fancy genome decoding software, no video work. Although I want to buy the best and fastest, and have been impressed by the literature on the i5 & i7, I wonder if for my purposes these better performers will make any difference. I'd rather not spend an extra $500+ for fabulous speed and functionality that my pedestrian computer use will never summon. And I'm a sucker for a good deal.
I've been eyeballing the 2009 3.33Ghz, and have found what seems to be a good deal, brand new and upgraded to 12Gb RAM, plus 3 years applecare, for bundled price of $1600. That good deal will turn into a thorn in my side if the old dual core 3.33Ghz is already obsoleted by the latest and greatest iMac offerings, but only if I experience sluggishness in my day to day use.
Thoughts and advice are most welcome.
I want a 27" screen, so the field is somewhat narrowed. I'm a casual computer user: word processing [Microsoft Word for work], web browsing/emailing, minimal photo work, no gaming whatsoever, no fancy genome decoding software, no video work. Although I want to buy the best and fastest, and have been impressed by the literature on the i5 & i7, I wonder if for my purposes these better performers will make any difference. I'd rather not spend an extra $500+ for fabulous speed and functionality that my pedestrian computer use will never summon. And I'm a sucker for a good deal.
I've been eyeballing the 2009 3.33Ghz, and have found what seems to be a good deal, brand new and upgraded to 12Gb RAM, plus 3 years applecare, for bundled price of $1600. That good deal will turn into a thorn in my side if the old dual core 3.33Ghz is already obsoleted by the latest and greatest iMac offerings, but only if I experience sluggishness in my day to day use.
Thoughts and advice are most welcome.